Raritan Bayshore

The Raritan Bayshore is a region of New Jersey and the northernmost part of the Jersey Shore. It is an area around the Raritan Bay from Perth Amboy to Sandy Hook, in Monmouth and Middlesex County, including Perth Amboy, Keyport, Keansburg, and Highlands. In September 1609, Henry Hudson's ship, the Half Moon, anchored along the shores of the bay and remained for five days to explore the estuary and establish contact with the local Lenape people. Four of his crew were sent up the Arthur Kill and to Newark Bay, and, upon their return, they were attacked by the Native Americans, and crew member John Colman was the first European to be killed by a native arrow. Today, popular attractions in the Bayshore area include the Keansburg amusement park, Mount Mitchill in Atlantic Highlands, Longstreet Farm in Holmdel, and several beaches. The Henry Hudson Trail runs parallel to the southern shore.